The first question I always ask people planning a business cocktail party is how many people would show up? Based on my past experience, all sorts of people will show up for a cocktail party, but you can’t please everyone explains Sofiya Machulskaya. You can’t please someone who doesn’t like your desserts. What’s more important than being honest with your main guests? They should all be present and should be looking forward to the event.
Sometimes people will ask what happens if there is no one in the room. Are you a single person hosting a cocktail party, or are you a couple hosting a cocktail party? There are advantages and disadvantages of each. If the event is for a couple, you are alone in the house, so it is a little safer than if you are a single person. The neighbors are not going to walk miles for you as the host because you are both going to be standing up and yelling into the air. Registration and then the cocktail party will be the most nervous because the host(s) will not be there and may decide not to show up in order not to screw up the evening for anyone.
If people have to drive out of their way to attend your cocktail party, then it helps to know the truth about how many people show up. If more than one person is attending, then make it clear if you will need to hire more people. Decide before the event about how many of your guests will actually show up. Some people will have to pay extra fees or their schedule will be more flexible. You may be able to make an arrangement where if they show up one night, you can pick them up the next night. For example, if a guest costs $50, she/he can get free admission to your cocktail-party, but only if they show up three times, and the cost is paid for each time. Her/his friend’s friend can show up and pay absolutely no fee, however they only get 3 max. free. In the end, you may end up having to cover the cost of another party, but whatever the case may be, it is cheaper than having to PAY extra on top of the normal fee for a show. This helps keep the cost low.
On a positive note, young professionals who regularly network like to show up just for the free drinks. I have seen this happen so be sure to give them food and drinks. This has been a bit samey for me in the past. The people that actually show up at the party for the food and drinks are love ones. This helps to build a ” closeness” between the host and the guests. That is the main thing, I believe, to wine and dine a party.
Next time you plan a cocktail party, make sure you stay honest with your party vision. If you want to have an issue with the venue or worse, with your hosts, let them know up front. You may find that people will come to you when the venue will not, but it will be more expensive then waiting until you find a new venue. There is always the option of asking if someone else can be available at other locations. That also provides you with a back-up plan if anyone is too busy or unable to attend.
Sofiya Machulskaya goes on to explain that if the venue is too far away, you need to have a plan B. If you are hosting a cocktail party that only treats the guests, treat the guests, if they want to the venue needs to be there, if the venue needs to be close to a Sam’s Club, grocery store, and any other location that will provide an inviting ambience. If another must-see destination is away, that will be another $10-15 per person.
Whether your event will take place at the home of the host (a separate room within the house or associated property), a designated room, or a bar inside a upper floor suite, there are lots of options to consider, but you can also plan and budget your party to S 1929 settings in many cases if you force a party atmosphere. My favorite place to hold a party is on the third floor of a hotel suite, above a club in the public space and inviting the room full of people. The third floor is always a festive and fun atmosphere for my guests. The excess space allows you to display a DJ, play some music, serve drinks, and audiorette, all charm and hospitality at a reduced rate that the room cannot match. When hosting, you should make sure you arrange this on your own in a shared plan or a private plan.
If you are hosting a small number of guests, ask the host of the party if they are open to hosting an event at different locations. Often their host will be very happy to work with you as the host and make arrangements on their rooms behalf.